The state government is providing more early childhood jobs in a new program to support this vital sector and provide new career opportunities for Victorians facing barriers to employment.
Minister for Employment Jaala Pulford and Minister for Early Childhood Ingrid Stitt have announced 150 jobs will be created as part of the Jobs Victoria Early Childhood Educator Jobs initiative.
The $2 million government program, delivered in partnership with Chisholm TAFE, will enable more Victorian children to thrive, improve work-life balance for families and create more secure jobs in the early childcare sector.
The focus will be on supporting people who have experienced challenges securing employment during the pandemic, including women aged over 45, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culturally and linguistically diverse Victorians, and young people.
Participants will receive on-the-job training, working at early childhood centres and receiving an income while studying a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. The program also provides additional mentoring and supervision on the job.
The initiative is supported by the $250 million Jobs Victoria Fund which is creating 10,000 steady and secure jobs for those most impacted by the pandemic.
The government is also releasing its updated Kindergarten Workforce Strategy as part of the $5 billion plan to provide three-year-old children with access to an additional year of funded kindergarten programs.
The reform is expected to create around 6,000 new early childhood jobs including approximately 4,000 bachelor qualified teachers and 2,000 VET-qualified educators.
Find out how Jobs Victoria can help employers or people looking for work at jobs.vic.gov.au or call the Jobs Victoria hotline on 1300 208 575.
Minister for Employment Jaala Pulford: “We’re making it easier for people to build a career in this vital sector, providing training while workers earn a wage and gain on-the-job experience.
“Targeting sectors that need workers makes a lot of sense and will be a winner for people that have had a tough time securing work – and families.”

THE Glenlyon Sports Day will be held again on Saturday 1 January 2022.
The event is held at the Glenlyon Reserve (near Daylesford), which is located in a picturesque setting, well shaded by magnificent old oak trees. A bar and catering facilities with a good selection of food will be available.
We will be holding the wood chopping, horse racing, bullboar & mineral water drinking competitions along with the ladies’ gumboot and nail driving challenges.

Children will be entertained with a well-equipped playground and children’s foot racing events.
Tickets can be purchased prior to the event this year via the trybooking.com website. You can also visit the Glenlyon Sports Day Facebook page or use the QR link advertised here.

This event will be held for the fully vaccinated. Proof and QR registering will be required at the gate. Please bring your ticket.

A major state government investment fund will back compelling tourism projects across the state that will drive the recovery of regional tourism and grow jobs.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula has called for great projects to be put forward that could elevate Victoria’s renowned and varied regional tourism offerings, building on a platform of excellence in four key areas. Up to $100 million will be allocated through the Regional Tourism Investment Fund to support the creation of new experiences and attractions and the reimagining and revitalisation of existing favourites – focusing on nature, epicurean, arts and culture, and First Peoples’ experiences.

These four priority areas were identified in the Government’s Visitor Economy Recovery and Reform Plan unveiled in April which set out a strategy to grow annual visitor spending to $35 billion by June 2024 – supporting 300,000 jobs in the sector.
The Fund will deliver grants up to $10 million per project, with a minimum funding amount of $150,000 per project. Applications are encouraged from private businesses, local and state government entities, incorporated associations, not-for-profits, Traditional Owner Corporations and Aboriginal organisations and groups.
The government has invested consistently in tourism infrastructure in recent budgets, with the $149 million Flagship Tourism Projects program including more than $47.5 million to build better visitor infrastructure along the Great Ocean Road and $4.3 million to enable the continued growth of the Prosecco Road winery district, including helping to establish accommodation at Dal Zotto Wines in Whitfield.
This round of the Regional Tourism Investment Fund follows an earlier stimulus round that injected $46 million into 30 small-scale infrastructure projects across the state, kickstarting the sector’s recovery.
Several of these projects are under construction, including a $500,000 upgrade of the cellar door at All Saints Estate in Rutherglen to create an immersive food and wine experience, $2 million to redevelop more than 70 kilometres of Mt Buller’s and Mt Stirling’s mountain bike and walking trails, and a $3.3 million Eco-Tourism development at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Cranbourne.
For further details on the Fund visit business.vic.gov.au – registrations of interest close on 7 January 2022.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula: “Victoria stands out from the pack and we’re looking for projects that fit the same bill – inspirational thinking that will translate into more visitors and jobs across the state.
“As we reopen, the recovery in our regional tourism businesses will gather pace. These projects will help to ensure the sector can plan for the future with confidence.”

Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s ‘Healthy Landscapes for Healthy Livestock’ project has been selected as a finalist in the Healthy Environment category of the 2021 Premier’s Sustainability Awards.
The awards celebrate individuals, communities and organisations across Victoria who are leading the way in sustainability.
The ‘Healthy Landscapes for Healthy Livestock’ project was developed in response to the opportunities identified to improve land management outcomes across the Macedon Ranges Shire. The program specifically was designed to help address issues around over grazing, weed invasion, loss of native grasslands and reports that farmers were struggling to afford importing feed stock.
The aim was to build the capacity of local livestock farmers to implement regenerative agriculture techniques that improved soil health, enhanced biodiversity and enhanced on-farm resilience to a changing climate.
An evaluation from 110 participants indicated that 100 per cent of respondents had changed their land management practices in a positive way.
Mayor, Cr Jennifer Anderson said she was delighted to hear that the program was a finalist.
“Well done to the Healthy Landscapes team for their ongoing work to support sustainable farming practices, not only in the Macedon Ranges, but throughout the wider Loddon Mallee region.
“I would also like to congratulate all of the finalists on their truly impressive entries—we are looking forward to the opportunity to celebrate our collective achievements,” she said.
This program—which is now called the ‘Healthy Landscapes: Practical Regenerative Agricultural Communities program’—has been extended for another 12 months in partnership with Hepburn Shire Council, the City of Greater Bendigo, A Healthy Coliban Catchment project (North Central Catchment Management Authority and Coliban Water), Melbourne Water and the Upper Campaspe Landcare Network.
The winners of the 2021 Premier’s Sustainability Awards will be announced at an online ceremony on Tuesday 23 November. Book your free ticket at sustainability.vic.gov.au/psa
To find out more about the Healthy Landscapes: Practical Regenerative Agricultural Communities program, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/healthylandscapes or call 5422 0333.

The state government has ensured the future of one of Victoria’s most popular and iconic tourist attractions, Puffing Billy Railway, with a new $24.8 million Visitor Centre.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula joined Member for Monbulk James Merlino and community representatives to unveil the state-of-the-art Centre, which will service thousands of visitors each week at Lakeside Station in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges.
Backed by a $12.7 million investment from the Labor Government, the Lakeside Visitor Centre will help attract a new generation of Puffing Billy enthusiasts as the much-loved train service returns to daily service.
The Lakeside Visitor Centre delivers premium facilities and attractions for tourists, day-trippers and school groups, honoring the rich history of the century-old heritage steam railway through a collection of steam-era artifacts and an immersive multimedia experience. The Centre boasts a range of dining options featuring seasonal produce from the Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges, as well as a hi-tech function space to host workshops, conferences, events and school excursions.
Daily train services return to the much-loved heritage railway from today, enticing visitors back to the Dandenong Ranges in an important boost to the local economy. Managed by the Emerald Tourist Railway Board, the open-air steam train plays an important role in preserving Victoria’s railway history and delivers an unforgettable journey through scenic bushland that attracted more than 500,000 visitors annually prior to the pandemic.
The Lakeside Visitor Centre was co-funded by Puffing Billy Railway and the Commonwealth Government.
For further information on the Visitor Centre and the railway’s operations – including to book tickets – visit puffingbilly.com.au.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula: “Puffing Billy is loved by Victorians and visitors and with these terrific new facilities will continue to win hearts for generations to come.
“The Visitor Centre gives an historic railway a very modern lift and comes on line at the right time as we open up as an economy and tourism businesses plan for a strong recovery.”

The state government is giving victims of crime greater access to financial and emotional support, as part of major reforms that will empower victims and help them deal with the lasting impacts of their experiences.
Minister for Victim Support Natalie Hutchins has introduced new legislative reforms to stop perpetrators of family violence and sexual offences being notified of an application to, or attending hearings at, the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT).
Victim survivors no longer need to be fearful of the perpetrator finding out that they have made an application for financial assistance or worse, having to face them in a hearing.
This is an interim step in the state government’s overhaul of victims of crime financial assistance, as part of its record $64.5 million investment in victim services and support.
The government is building a new trauma-informed financial assistance scheme that will no longer be based in the courts, which will be supported by a dedicated Victims Legal Service, as well as a new innovative Victim-Centred Restorative Justice Program.
Nearly $9.9 million has also been invested in additional staff at VOCAT to clear the case backlog.
The government today released its new Victims Support Update, which highlights the major achievements already delivered, and outlines how Victoria will become a leader in trauma-informed victim support.
We’re listening to victims of crime and making sure their voices are at the centre of our work, with reforms that empower victims of crime to exercise their rights to participate in decisions and processes that affect them.
This is in addition to work completed over recent years to increase system accountability by strengthening the powers of the independent Victims of Crime Commissioner, ordering an independent review of the victim support system and delivering a suite of effective victim support programs and services.
Visit www.vic.gov.au/victims-direction-statement to read the Victims Support Update and find out more about how the Government is improving services, support and financial assistance for victims of crime.
Minister for Victim Support Natalie Hutchins: “We’re delivering victim support that responds to the needs of victims of crime, respects their rights and does not further compound the trauma they have experienced.
“Ensuring victims are better supported to find justice, access financial help and legal advice as they deal with the impacts of crime and navigate the court system are at the heart of these important reforms.”

The state government is supercharging the state’s zero emissions vehicle journey with $5 million for a fast-charging network and $3 million in new charging grants for local council and business fleets.
The Destination Charging Across Victoria Program will mean that drivers in any Victorian town will now be 1 hour away from a fast-charger, with 141 electric vehicle fast-charging stations being installed across the state.
Destinations include shopping complexes, public parks, community centres, libraries, and tourist hot spots such as the Great Ocean Road, Melbourne Zoo, the MCG, and Queen Victoria Market.
The initiatives − part of Victoria’s $100 million Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Roadmap − will significantly ramp up the state’s charging infrastructure and make it easier for Victorians to purchase an electric vehicle.
Most importantly, the investment will create jobs for workers installing charging stations, including electricians and technicians.
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio announced the funding along with easier access to the state’s $3,000 zero emission vehicle subsidy – which is now available at the point of sale.
The EV Charging for Council Fleets and EV Charging for Business Fleets programs will provide up to $3 million in grant funding for fleet infrastructure for local councils and businesses.
Victoria’s ZEV Roadmap is the most comprehensive plan of its kind in Australia and will help Victoria hit its ZEV target of 50 per cent of all new light vehicle sales by 2030, a key part of halving our emissions by 2030 as we work towards our target of net-zero emissions by 2050.
There has been a 200 per cent increase in average monthly ZEV sales in the six months since the program started. More than 1,500 Victorians have already taken advantage of the subsidy, particularly in the western suburbs, with Point Cook and Truganina among the leading suburbs.
Local councils and businesses are encouraged to apply for fleet charging grants before applications close on Friday 21 January 2022. To apply visit energy.vic.gov.au/renewable-energy/zero-emissions-vehicles, and find out more on the ZEV Subsidy at solar.vic.gov.au/zero-emissions-vehicle-subsidy

Victorians can celebrate the state’s LGBTIQ+ communities through dozens of events across regional Victoria as part of Melbourne Pride.
Melbourne Pride is a landmark LGBTIQ+ event for Victoria, featuring a series of activities in our regional communities over the summer and a one-day street party in Melbourne on 13 February 2022.
Marking more than 40 years since the decriminalisation of sex between men in Victoria, this event will help heal historic wounds by giving all Victorians the chance to show their pride in and support for LGBTIQ+ communities.
Melbourne Pride’s regional activities are now underway, with community events, art exhibitions, theatre shows, podcasts, documentaries and a range of other initiatives across regional Victoria.
Among the activities is Pop-Up Pride in Bendigo, which features drag performances, live music, stalls, a Trans Clothing Swap, short films from the Bendigo Queer Film Festival and exhibitions.
Meanwhile proud Nguri-Illum Wurrung / Dja Dja Wurrung / Wurundjeri / Wamba Wemba artist Vince Partington has created sculptural work PIRNBIAL (meaning rainbow in Woiwurrung language), which examines the connection between traditional culture and identity based on Vince’s own experiences. It is showing at Healesville’s Hearth Gallery from now until late January and on 13 February.
A list of regional Melbourne Pride activities will be kept updated at midsumma.org.au/regional-activations with events already scheduled for the Macedon Ranges, Ballarat, Geelong, Morwell and Wangaratta.
Leading LGBTIQ+ arts and cultural organisation Midsumma is delivering Melbourne Pride on behalf of the Andrews Labor Government. Further details of the street party on 13 February 2022 will be released in the coming months.
The Labor Government has delivered more than $1.9 million to support Melbourne Pride, as part of our broader work to achieve equality for LGBTIQ+ Victorians.
Minister for Equality Martin Foley: “Melbourne Pride is a celebration of our LGBTIQ+ communities and everything they contribute to our state.”

Victoria’s dedicated Landcare and environmental volunteering champions were celebrated at the 2021 Victorian Landcare Awards ceremony for their outstanding work in caring for the state’s environment and biodiversity.

Labor Member for Western Victoria, Jaala Pulford, congratulated the recipients of the Victorian Landcare Awards, which recognise individuals and groups across the state for their outstanding contributions to preserving Victoria’s incredible landscapes.

The awards celebrate the incredible efforts of individuals and groups, of all ages, to protect our natural resources, stewarding a more resilient landscape for the future.

The 2021 Victorian Landcare Award winners include June Johnstone, winner of the Urban Landcare Award. This award is made to a group, network, or individual who has delivered Landcare projects or initiatives that have inspired and involved an urban population.

June Johnstone has been a major force in Clunes Landcare and Waterways Group’s successful rehabilitation of a degraded section of the Creswick Creek that runs through the township of Clunes.

The Victorian Government is providing $51.9 million over the next four years to deliver ‘unique biodiversity protection through community-driven action’, which includes the Victorian Landcare Program.

The vital work of Landcare and environmental volunteers contributes to meeting the targets of Protecting Victoria’s Environment – Biodiversity 2037. This is the state’s plan to stop the decline of our native plants and animals and improve our natural environment.

For more information about the awards, visit www.landcarevic.org.au.

Member for Western Victoria, Jaala Pulford: “The Landcare Awards are a great celebration of the breadth of Landcare and environmental, with the awards recognising individuals, groups and partnerships, importantly including First Nations custodians caring for Country.”

“We are seeing real and substantial outcomes from the dedication and commitment of community Landcarers, and it is so important that we continue to support and recognise their tremendous efforts.”

Forest Fire Management (FFMVic) has been busy preparing for the fire season across the Wimmera and Midlands Districts ahead of the bushfire risk increasing over summer.

FFMVic has recruited additional firefighters for the coming months, with 79 seasonal firefighters to work alongside our 300 permanent firefighters, incident management and support staff in the Grampians region.

The new recruits have been busy attending classroom, field and four-wheel drive training over the past few weeks to learn essential skills to protect communities and the environment from bushfires.

This year FFMVic has also been able to recruit an additional 22 Forest and Fire Operations Officers across the region, boosting our day-to-day and emergency response field operations capability.

Briefings for firefighters have now been held across the region, detailing the latest fire weather outlook and the upcoming challenges to keeping local communities safe this summer.

FFMVic and other government agencies also have teams of emergency management specialists on standby for the Ballarat and Horsham Incident Control Centres from late November, ready to lead a rapid response to any fires.

The Grampians region fleet of firefighting vehicles has been serviced and the large range of fire tankers and earthmoving machinery are now set for the upcoming season.

Waterbombing aircraft will again be based across the region at Nhill, Stawell, Ballarat and Bacchus Marsh to support all fire agencies response to bushfires.

FFMVic along with other fire response agencies will support these aircraft with specialist support staff and equipment.

Fire lookout observers have started to return to FFMVic’s network of fire towers to scan the forested landscape across the Grampians Region from Mt Blackwood near Bacchus Marsh in the east to Mount Arapiles in the western Wimmera area.

Grampians Deputy Chief Fire Officer Tony English: “As significant rainfall over spring has led to extensive grass growth, we’re preparing for a fire season with an increased risk of fast-running grass fires in the Grampians region.”“Our combination of experienced personnel, specialised firefighting vehicles and access to a range of aircraft means we’re equipped to have the best possible response to fires this summer.

“This preparation builds on our year-round program to reduce bushfire risk through activities such as planned burning, slashing, mulching, as well as creating and maintaining fuel breaks.

“Partnerships with other emergency management agencies, local government and the community are essential for any type of emergency response.

“FFMVic are committed to building these on these strong relationships in the Grampians Region to ensure a unified and swift response in any emergency situation.”

SO, WE are out the other side. Sort of. As in a massive lifting of restrictions. No more masks for most people unless you are working in hospitality or medicine. It’s great news. For the vaccinated. Not so much if you have decided not to get the jab. Small life and all that.
I must admit I was hesitant. Not about being vaccinated but I did worry about AstraZeneca and the blood clotting. I even pleaded my case with a doctor but was told in no uncertain terms there were no exceptions and he was adamant the government was doing the right thing.
I was pretty happy about a week later to hear Pfizer had been approved for the under 60s, even a bit vindicated, and booked that day for my first jab. With just the three-week wait I got my second shot in July, the same time Kyle had his second AZ. He had no hesitation, just got in there and rolled up his sleeve way back in April.
Anyway, we have both now booked in for our booster shot in January. The local doctors’ is only offering Pfizer so I might shop around and see if anyone has Moderna on hand. I keep reading that mixing and matching is the way to go. I know, I should check with a doctor, but that didn’t really work out last time.
I will still keep a variety of masks in the car. Some look better than others, we have black with a TL logo on some, and flowers on another, but then the ‘blueys’ are easier to talk with and breathe through.
I remember when we first started wearing masks last March, as in 2020, and everyone thought we were quite mad. Walking around Coles at Woodend we got a lot of stares but also quiet nods from the other two or three people also masked up. I remember wearing one for a mammogram at St John of God Hospital in Ballarat and asking the clinician why they were not wearing one. Not allowed, they said. Don’t want to panic anyone, they said.
I also remember calling a chemist in Frankston asking if they stocked any. No need, they said. Masks will not stop the spread, they said. Now you can’t get a medical procedure done without a mask on – and chemists have done a roaring trade in them.
We have come a long way, through fear and loathing, and misunderstanding, to a point where most sane people are vaccinated and we can unmask for most of the time. Is unmask even a word? I know so many more words I wish I didn’t. Self-isolation, double-jabbed, Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca…
I talked to a psychologist the other day and said I would very much like to turn back the clock to a time where Covid never existed. But, I said, so many people reckon humankind would learn from this. Be better people. Make better choices.
She looked at me, a little askance. “All we will gain from this is about a decade of mental health issues. Especially for children.” So good news on the mask front. As for learning lessons, maybe not so great. Just sayin’…

Women leading their communities through disaster, helping address cybercrime and lifting up vulnerable communities are some of the 23 inductees to the Victorian Honour Roll of Women this year.
Minister for Women Gabrielle Williams announced the 2021 Victorian Honour Roll of Women inductees – women from all walks of life who have made outstanding contributions to the Victorian community.
Among them is Central Highlands resident Taryn Lane, pictured, who was inducted as a trailblazer for her pioneering work as a community development practitioner in community energy and community-led climate transitions, co-founding RE-Alliance and the Coalition for Community Energy.
Taryn is a community energy advocate/consultant and also manager at Hepburn Community Wind Farm.
Ms Williams said women made outstanding contributions in every aspect of people’s lives “and through the Honour Roll we’re pleased to celebrate and recognise some of these significant and lasting contributions”.
“Celebrating the achievements of women of all backgrounds and experiences helps open the door for the next generation of outstanding women to be leaders.

CRESWICK Ward’s Cr Tim Drylie is the latest mayor of Hepburn Shire. Cr Jen Bray, from Birch Ward, is deputy mayor.
Cr Drylie said the opportunity to serve the Hepburn Shire community as mayor was an honour and he was “thrilled and humbled”.

“I feel very lucky to live and work in such a beautiful part of the world. This shire is richly abundant in natural assets that we are fortunate to have to explore, appreciate, and protect.
“I take comfort that our council can draw strength from and respond to the wisdom of a creative, hardworking and diverse community.
“The year ahead may still present uncertainties as we once again emerge and deal with the physical, mental and financial stresses of the Covid pandemic, the damage from unprecedented climate change-related weather events and constant adaptation to new and different ways of relating, living and working together.
“Over the next year, I wish to continue the good work that this council has begun in forging positive and more engaged relations with our community. We need to listen, foster local expertise and support our resilient, diverse systems including our businesses, industries, farming and community health and wellbeing.”

From left, Cr Jen Bray, Hepburn Shire town crier Philip Greenbank and Cr Tim Drylie
Image: Contributed

Half acre-

The gully behind the property is
a long throat. Jewelled by
eucalypts and other
bush trees. A muzzy razorback-
the sky above fish-
coloured.
In a half-breath it may rain. Or
go completely to dust,
birds taking to the sky like ramrods.
Beauty and danger at the backstep,
the stormy air, thick with flies

Stephanie Powell

Stephanie Powell has recently moved to Hepburn Springs after several years living in the UK, her debut poetry collection, Bone, was published by Halas Press in July 2021. More writing can be found @atticpoet on Instagram.

Local Lines comes mainly from a group of local poets but other submissions are always welcome. To have a poem considered for publication contact Bill Wootton at cottlesbreedge@gmail.com

THE world of digital news combined with the pandemic has not been too kind on traditional community newspapers, who have been slow to change their ways and have as a result perished or become solely digital in the new media landscape.
The great news is that your community newspaper was first dragged into the printing press over eight years ago our fledgling enterprise The Local was at the coalface of the “mum and pop” rise of community newspapers. Born from hard times where disgruntled journalists and photographers were left high and dry, flung out onto the streets by the big corporations who were simply chasing profits, not public interest news gathering.
These people have created just south of 80 newspapers around the country, news organisations like ours that live and breathe community news and bring it to you for free. I have watched many a failed stratagem by news corporations over my relatively short 15-year career in the industry to save print money and encourage readership into the digital space.
But here at TL HQ we ploughed on in print creating a pretty incredible website along the way, which moving forward as the world comes to, will host all the sports results not just seniors’ football as well as all community events and all for free.
And then this week we received the following from our printer:
As you may have read in the media last week, the only Australian‐based newsprint supplier, Norske Skog, has advised customers that they will be breaking existing supply contracts and increasing the cost of newsprint almost immediately. We have been presented with non‐negotiable price increases effective from November 15, 2021. The increases are between 19-25 per cent dependent on the newsprint grade.
To put that into perspective this is a 25 per cent rise in our print costs after what has been a ‘kick in the arse’ couple of years. So what are our choices? We could either load the costs to our advertisers who have endured pain like us, absorb the cost internally or wrap up the whole enterprise and take our bat and ball and walk away. I must admit the whole bat and ball thing worked for me, but the ever-tenacious editor/wife decided to absorb the cost and labour on, after all TL is her love child I simply named it.
My part in this whole plough-on thing is to invent a volunteer payment platform, as in the QR code below this column, these will be sprinkled throughout our magazine going forward. So, if you are enjoying the read while having your cup of tea, wonder how we get the crazy, weird and sometimes wacky stories, see your nearest and dearest on the page or even have a moment of philanthropic emotion for your locally produced paper that employs only locals and ties together our Central Highlands villages, please scan the code.
Tin-shaking rant over…